They can contribute to staining your teeth in a big way. So does betel and tobacco chewing and smoking. Some medications and oral care products too can cause staining.

Surface tooth stains can occur in two ways. The salivary pellicle, a thin organic film that covers our teeth, plays a key role in the staining process.

When we consume foods and drinks that have staining qualities—such as tea, coffee or wine—the chromogens in the food or drink get incorporated into the salivary pellicle. This is one way in which your teeth become stained.

Tooth stains can also be due to chemical reactions that take place on the tooth surface.

Intrinsic Or Internal Discolouration

Sometimes the dentin—the inner structure of your tooth below the enamel—develops a yellow tint or darkens from within. This can happen due to a number of factors including things that happened while you were a kid, or even before you were born. Yes, so bad karma and bad habits are not all there is to it.

Your teeth could darken from the inside due to exposure to excessive levels of fluoride in early childhood, if you had been given tetracycline antibiotics as a child, a fall, accident or other trauma affected your teeth, tooth decay or due to being born with a number of medical conditions.

Blue, gray, or black stain

Green stain

Age Related Tooth Discolouration

Age-related staining could be due to a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic causes.

Your food habits and lifestyle choices—including smoking—may contribute to yellowing and staining. Tooth erosion is a natural thing, and acidic food, energy drinks and sugar in your food and drinks can speed up this process.

Some people become slack in routine brushing, flossing and oral care as they grow older.

Age related discolouration occurs when a thinning stained enamel on the outside comes together with a darkening dentin on the inside. These factors get together to make a fine recipe for yellow and stained teeth.

9 Methods (That You Can Try Today) To Whiten Your Teeth Naturally

Now to discovering the natural ways in which you can regain your bright white smile again. Going the natural route to health problems should always be your first choice in dealing with health goals.

Note however that many of these methods only impact external stains. They cannot change your darkened dentin back to white again.

#1 - Activated Charcoal Teeth Scrub

People have been using charcoal for millennia to clean their teeth for its abrasive qualities when grounded into a powder. Today, you can use activated charcoal as a tooth scrub.

Activated charcoal is made by heating regular charcoal in the presence of a specific gas. This treatment makes it extremely porous, expanding its surface area which makes activated charcoal bind with impurities easily. Activated charcoal is used in treating cases of poison and overdose also because it has the capacity to absorb impurities and toxins.

Porous activated charcoal can easily bind with the plaque and substances in the food stains on your teeth and help clean it effectively.

Leave the paste on your teeth for three minutes allowing it to bind with impurities on your teeth.

Clean it off by rinsing and brushing your teeth.

There are different guidelines on how to use activated charcoal for best effect in tooth whitening.

Some dentists recommend using activated charcoal for brushing two or three times a week for best results.

Be warned that either way, charcoal powder is very abrasive. Do not rub or brush too vigorously. If you develop sensitive teeth as a result--too much abrasive stuff can do this—stop using activated charcoal for tooth whitening, at least for a while.

#2 - Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda Mix

Baking Soda or sodium bicarbonate can be used to whiten teeth with or without hydrogen peroxide because of its mild abrasive qualities, says Colgate.com. "It is this same abrasiveness that effectively removes surface stains from your teeth and make them appear whiter. However, if your goal is to remove deeper, older stains, then baking soda will not be as effective".

If you don't know what ‘oil pulling’ is, it is simply swishing a bit of oil—a table spoon would do—around your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Oil pulling cleanses your mouth, sucking up dirt and toxins from the mouth, probably making life unpleasant for all the harmful microbes—because who wants a 20 minute-long soak in an oil bath!

In Ayurveda, they use various oils, such as coconut, sesame and olive oil. Cold pressed organic oils such as sunflower oil would do as well since there are no trans fats in them. Even refined oil can be used for oil pulling.

Coconut oil contains lauric acid which reacts with saliva to form sodium laureate. This soap like substance helps reduces plaque adhesion and accumulation on teeth and has a cleansing action.

Lauric acid is known to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans which work together in causing dental caries and early-childhood caries. It has positive effects on oral health.

Lauric acid also has a pleasant taste, making oil pulling with coconut oil more tolerable.

Coconut oil does not have adverse effects such as brown staining and altered taste sensation produced by chlorhexidine.

#4 - Apple Cider Vinegar

According to WebMD, apple cider vinegar contains so many vitamins, minerals and acids. This makes it difficult to figure out what exactly may be contributing to the whitening effects.

There are multiple ways of using apple cider vinegar to whiten teeth.

Easy to use and very much affordable.

While there are many sites, including Colgate and some dental sites that recommend ways in which apple cider vinegar can be used to whiten teeth, we could not find any scientific studies to support the claim.

What You Will Need

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar As A Tooth Whitener

One method is to gargle with apple cider vinegar daily. Mix a teaspoon in a cup of water and swish it around your mouth for a while. Over time, your teeth will whiten as a result.

For stubborn stains, rub apple cider vinegar on your teeth and then rinse your mouth with water. Don’t do this too often. Rubbing apple cider vinegar straight on your teeth can cause the tooth enamel to break down and lead to tooth sensitivity.

You can also make a tooth whitening paste with apple cider vinegar and baking soda. Mix one part of baking soda with two parts apple cider vinegar to make a paste. Do not use this paste more than twice or three times a week. The abrasive qualities of the mix can damage your tooth enamel.

Now that you know the pros and cons of apple cider vinegar as a tooth whitener, go ahead and make your decision. Just go lightly because extended use can damage your teeth. Eroded teeth look worse than yellow or stained ones.

#5 - Strawberries And Baking Soda Mix

The Dr. Oz Show and numerous YouTube videos have touted using strawberries and baking soda mix as a natural, affordable, do-it-yourself method to whiten and brighten teeth.

If you are curious about whether this actually works, you are not the only one. One researcher, Dr So Ran Kwon, at the University of Iowa has actually performed a scientific experiments to see whether California-grown, organic strawberries and baking soda mix produces a whitening effect on teeth. The results of the study, comparing this DIY (do-it-yourself) method with in-office whitening, professionally dispensed patient applied home whitening, and an OTC (over-the-counter) product” were published in the journal Operative Dentistry.

According to Dr Kwon, the only benefit of the do-it-yourself strawberries and baking soda mix is while it seems to make your teeth look whiter, they look whiter because you’re just removing plaque accumulation on your teeth. According to her, that is a lot less than you get with alternative commercially available whitening treatments. “You really want something that penetrates into your teeth and breaks down the stain molecules,” says she. “If you don’t have that, you get just the superficial, and not the whitening from the inside, which was what you really want.”

Here’s why you see the whitening effect. Strawberries contain citric acid, a substance known to weaken the surface hardness of your tooth enamel. They also contain the less potent malic acid. The riper the strawberries are, the higher the concentration of malic acid in the fruit. The ripe strawberry rub helps remove the superficial debris from your teeth, giving them a whiter look.

If you are happy with just the superficial whitening, go ahead with the DIY strawberry mix. It probably tastes great in your mouth too!

Easy to make and smells great too. How about delicious?

Scientifically tested method which actually works. Strawberry and baking soda mix can make your teeth look whiter because it helps remove plaque, a biofilm, that has accumulated on your teeth.

Strawberries contain citric acid, just like lime does, and is harmful for the tooth enamel.

Dr Kwon’s study results showed that “DIY whitening with the use of a strawberry mixture is not an effective tooth whitening modality when compared to professionally applied inoffice whitening, professionally dispensed patient applied home whitening, and an OTC product.”

What You Will Need

A ripe strawberry

Baking soda

Soft toothbrush

Water to rinse

How To Do It

Strawberry and baking soda paste. Crush a ripe strawberry and mix in baking soda to make a paste. Dip your toothbrush in it. Brush carefully rubbing the strawberry mix over your teeth.

In the scientific experiment Dr Kwon used a puree of strawberry (15g) mixed with 2.5g of baking soda, at five day intervals, for five minutes for each application. Brush with a soft toothbrush for 30 seconds.

You can also do some whitening while just eating strawberries. Crush a ripe strawberry. Dip your toothbrush in the mush and brush your teeth.

Whether you decide to use plain strawberries or strawberry mix with baking soda, you will get some positive results. Keep smiling with that strawberry flavor in your mouth.

#6 - Fruit Peels

If you Google "fruit peel teeth whitening" you are going to get nearly a million results. The top results are going to be talking about orange and banana peel and how to use them as tooth whiteners. But then there is pomegranate peel, and Rhus coriaria, or Sicilian sumac peel which appear in more scientific studies than do either orange peel or banana peel.

Studies show that the peel of sweet orange, or citrus sinensis peels extract is effective against bacteria that cause dental caries and contain compounds that have therapeutic potential.

Banana peel has been demonstrated to have antibacterial activity against periodontal pathogens such as P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans. Banana peel contains minerals of potassium, magnesium, manganese and acids that helps break down tooth stains. The gritty fiber of the banana peel helps polish the tooth enamel.

Nothing probably can beat pomegranate, known to science as Punica granatum when it comes to fruit peel with medicinal effects. There are many studies demonstrating the effect of pomegranate peel and flower extract on bacteria and viruses that affect human health. Pomegranate peel contains substances that suppress enteric infections, promote gut health, oral health and wound healing. It also works on some drug resistant bacteria and those used in food preservation. Pomegranate peel also has a suppressing effect on food borne and intestinal viruses, and those causing pox, herpes and HIV.

The qualities of pomegranate that promote oral health, and work on tooth and gum disease bacteria may make its peel a great ingredient in making natural dentifrice preparations.

It’s the stuff you throw away. Anyone can afford them.

The pros depend on the type of fruit peel you use. They cause different levels of whitening and may have positive effects on your oral health overall.

Some fruit peels have proven positive effects on oral health, including the controlling of dental plaque; if not necessarily a direct effect on tooth whitening. Still, the fact that they help remove plaque means that they do have a somewhat brightening effect on teeth.

Fruit peel whitening is organic, so you are not putting chemicals in your mouth.

Makes you eat more fruit! This is anyway good for your teeth and gums and general health.

Not always pleasant or time saving to try whiten teeth with fruit peel.

Some peel like banana or pomegranate powder may not feel great in the mouth and not everyone can tolerate the sensations or the taste.

Not everything you see on the Internet or which appeals to logic always turns out to be true. It is just a feel-good idea that fruit peel can be a great tooth whitener. While some fruit peels have proven medicinal and positive oral health qualities, its questionable whether those can be directly extrapolated to include whitening effects is the question.

We did not find any scientific studies indicating fruit peels has even been tested as a tooth whitener, let alone studies proving them to be effective.

What You Will Need

Pomegranate fruit peel whitening

Powdered pomegranate peel. To make the powder, put dry pomegranate peel in direct sunlight until the peels lose all their moisture. Grind in a clean, dry grinder for two minutes. Store in a clean airtight glass jar.

Abrasives, however, are a double-edged sword. When overly abrasive, they scrape, scratch or gouge the tooth surface. An unpolished, uneven tooth surface is an open invitation to mouth bacteria. Many studies have shown that unpolished tooth surfaces facilitate dental plaque, calculus, oral debris and extrinsic stains. In fact, the initial bacterial colonization begins in rough tooth surfaces.

Aesthetically too, a highly polished tooth enamel is desirable because it appears whiter than an unpolished, duller enamel. Compared to most other abrasives, kaolin clay possesses the ability to clean the tooth leaving it smooth and polished.

Whether you are opting to make tooth whitening powder or paste the DIY route or are actually looking ant qualities of kaolin clay to make toothpaste buying decisions, now you have the information you need. Happy whitening!

#8 - Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice derived from the root of a plant. It has been used in the ancient Indian medicine system of Ayurveda, for thousands of years. Ayurveda says turmeric possesses the ability to make the skin glow, and to provide vigor and vitality to the entire body. Turmeric also has antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent, and other useful properties, that are useful in medical and dental treatments.

Dental pain and swelling by massaging the aching teeth with roasted ground turmeric

Periodontal problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis can be relieved by rubbing the teeth and gums with a paste made of turmeric, salt and mustard oil twice daily.

One study showed that Turmeric mouthwash with curcumin extract was "as effective as most widely used chlorhexidine mouthwash".

Turmeric is a natural product that is non-toxic, safe and effective against mouth bacteria contributing to tooth decay, dental plaque and gum disease.

Affordable and easy to make

Simple and easy to use

Turmeric leaves a great smell in the mouth

Turmeric’s many medicinal qualities may lead to problems when used on a regular basis. Here are some points offered up by turmeric tooth whitening users:

Abrasive qualities may damage your tooth enamel if used daily

If you are pregnant and breast breastfeeding, avoid turmeric as it may interfere with milk production

If you are on other medications it is best to stay away from this remedy

It may result in lowering testosterone levels in men after long term use

Turmeric decreases blood sugar. If you have diabetes, be careful in using turmeric as a tooth whitener

People with gallbladder problems should avoid turmeric

Those who have scheduled surgery should stop using turmeric at least two weeks before date of surgery

And, we found some not-so-glowing reviews such as these two

In Myth vs. fact: An experts' take on teeth whitening home remedie﻿s, the expert, Uchenna Okoye, clinical director at London Smiling Dental Group delivers a damning verdict on the claim that brushing with turmeric powder can whiten your teeth:

"False. This is a recipe for disaster. The rule in dentistry is that anything that will stain a white shirt will stain your teeth. All spices stain teeth but yellow spices are the worst. Far from whitening your teeth, using turmeric will make them even more discoloured."

Dried turmeric root powder. You can easily buy this from specialized food shops or online. To make turmeric powder, the root (similar to ginger) is soaked in water, and dried in a hot oven. The dried roots are then ground into a fine yellow powder.

Toothbrush

Water to rinse

Coconut oil (optional)

Baking soda (optional)

Lime juice (optional)

Salt (optional)

How To Whiten Teeth With Turmeric Powder

There are a number of ways in which you can use turmeric as a tooth whitener.

Mix half a teaspoon of dried turmeric powder with a few drops of water

Stir into a thick paste

Dip your toothbrush in the yellow paste and brush your teeth with it

Remember to watch out for the yellow stains. The turmeric will stain your toothbrush, your tongue and your teeth. Rinsing it off takes some effort

Plan for a longer tooth brushing routine than usual. Your teeth cleaning time is doubled due to the time it takes to rinse the yellow from teeth and gums and wherever else you end up staining (shirt, face, counter)

The abrasive qualities of the bright yellow root powder will clean your teeth

Despite the hassles of using a yellow powder, and the nasty reviews from some users, here are many oral health benefits of just having turmeric in your mouth. Perhaps those benefits can translate into glowing white teeth for you. Watch out for the yellow stains!

#9 - Make Home-Made Whitening Toothpaste

After considering all of the above exotic sounding natural tooth whitening options, if you feel like finding a regular toothpaste that whitens teeth, here’s the recipe you need.

Non-GMO Xylitol Powder. Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance found in most plant material. It is used in “sugar-free” products—chewing gum and mints—as a sugar substitute because it tastes like sugar, but doesn’t get converted to acids in the mouth. As a result it helps reduce decay-causing bacteria in the mouth. Wellness Mama uses this brand of Xylitol.

Antihistamines such as Benadryl, antipsychotic drugs, and high blood pressure drugs.

Dental materials such as amalgam restorations and materials with silver sulfide may cast a gray-black color to your teeth.

14 -Talk to your doctor and dentist to discuss this matter. They may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not cause staining or discolouration.

15 - ​Keeping your crowns and veneers from staining. Most are made to withstand stains. But too much abrasion can take away the sheen from your veneers and crowns. Gentle brushing, using a low abrasive toothpaste on a Q-tip, or returning to your cosmetic dentist for a gentle polishing may be necessary.

THE VERDICT – HOW DO YOU WHITEN YOUR TEETH NATURALLY?

After all the research, pros and cons and methods of using various natural tooth whiteners, are you ready for making your choice? By now, you should know how to whiten your teeth naturally.

To remind you, here are our recommendations:

For a quick whitening on the fly, we’d opt for the strawberry crush.

It has been tested scientifically and proven effective.

It is not a bad thing to do it on the long run either, as long as you don’t do it too often.

As a long term solution, we’d opt for home-made tooth whitening toothpowder or toothpaste with kaolin clay.

If you don’t need remineralization, just drop the calcium magnesium powder.

We also have concerns about activated charcoal. There are no studies that prove its effectiveness as a tooth whitener. We have no doubts about whether it works. We know it does. Our concerns are whether activated charcoal is too abrasive and may damage teeth. So go lightly on that element in the recipe.

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